HAGERSTOWN – Researcher Erin Dingle will speak about “Taking the Cure in the Maryland Mountains: Dr. Victor F. Cullen and the Maryland State Tuberculosis Sanatorium” at the Antietam Historical Association’s 13th annual meeting Wednesday, April 29, at Fountain Head Country Club, 13316 Fountain Head Road.
Dingle has undertaken a comprehensive study of the sanatorium near Sabillasville from its inception in 1907 until Cullen’s death. She has collected stories, images and artifacts related to the sanatorium and hopes to publish a history of the facility. Because tuberculosis touched many families in Maryland, Dingle said she was contacted for information by numerous people during her career as a librarian.
Cullen (1881–1949) was a native of Washington County, Maryland, and a grandson of Williamsport businessman Victor Cushwa. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1906 and, after serving two years’ residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Baltimore, became superintendent of the mountain sanatorium that eventually bore his name.
There will be hors d’œuvres, cash bar, live piano music and exhibits at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner of chicken cordon bleu (or vegetarian alternative) at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $45. To make reservations, or for more information, readers may call 717-762-2006. The deadline for reservations is April 21.
